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***Please do not book onto this session, it is for a training exercise*** You have found Alexis' Training, well done! To continue on in the training you will need to enter the code word 'Essex Spirit'. Why not take some time now to look at the training events available and consider any events you may wish to book. If you have any questions you can contact our team by emailing develop@essex.ac.uk. ***Please do not book onto this session, it is for a training exercise***

This session introduces the realities of management for colleagues considering a future management role. You'll explore the responsibilities of managing people, performance and delivery, and understand the mindset shift from individual contributor to manager. You'll gain awareness of key management conversations, drawing on approaches such as active listening, SBI feedback and the GROW coaching model, and explore how managers motivate, engage and support others. Through self-reflection and discussion, you'll consider your own strengths and development needs and begin to understand whether management is the right next step for you.

This course is only for those who manage contractors doing low-risk activities. An introduction to the University’s Authority to Work process, outlining when an ATW is required, the responsibilities of Authority Issuers, and expectations for checking RAMS and assuring safe low and medium risk work. Awareness training is required at least once every 5 years. Delegates must have completed both the Managing Health and Safety Essentials course and the Risk Assessment Essentials course before attending this training session. (Note: this process is being amended, so this training is on hold until it is finalised)

A basic introduction to safe lifting, carrying and back care, highlighting common risks, simple posture and movement principles, and how to minimise strain during everyday tasks. The session covers recognising hazardous lifts, using appropriate manual handling equipment, and knowing when to seek assistance. It is strongly recommended that if you have injuries or medical conditions that prevent you from safely undertaking manual handling activities, including pregnancy, you should not attend.

Develop the communication skills needed to build positive working relationships and communicate with confidence in your day-to-day role. This practical session focuses on delivering clear, effective messages, adapting your communication to different audiences and building trust through meaningful interactions.

Develop the leadership skills needed to inspire teams, influence others and deliver successful organisational outcomes. This session focuses on motivating people, creating shared direction and building the strategic relationships that enable teams and services to succeed.

Develop the networking and stakeholder engagement skills needed to build productive working relationships beyond your immediate team. This practical session focuses on establishing professional networks, engaging stakeholders effectively and building the confidence to work collaboratively across the organisation.

Develop the strategic communication and relationship leadership skills needed to influence, engage and build strong partnerships across the organisation. This session focuses on communicating with purpose, navigating complexity and using communication to lead change and achieve organisational outcomes.

Develop the strategic networking and collaboration skills needed to build influential partnerships, work across organisational boundaries and achieve shared organisational goals. This session focuses on leading through networks, strengthening cross-functional collaboration and using relationships to influence outcomes and drive organisational success.

Develop the collaboration and influencing skills needed to work effectively with others and build strong professional relationships. This practical session focuses on contributing positively within teams, encouraging collaboration and developing the confidence to influence discussions and shared outcomes.

This event will begin with a brief refresher to the requirements of Associate Fellowship (D1) and Fellowship (D2) CADENZA Direct Entry applications. Colleagues will then (depending on progress made to date) have the opportunity to either develop a plan and work towards a first draft or to continue compiling their application, using this dedicated period of time. A specialist CADENZA Direct Entry advisor will be available to support colleagues with advice and feedback throughout the event. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This event will begin with a brief refresher to the requirements of Senior Fellowship (D3) and Principal Fellowship (D4) CADENZA Direct Entry applications. Colleagues will then (depending on progress made to date) have the opportunity to either develop a plan and work towards a first draft or to continue compiling their application, using this dedicated period of time. A specialist CADENZA Direct Entry advisor will be available to support colleagues with advice and feedback throughout the event. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This session will support CADENZA assessors to further understand the requirements for direct entry applications, including the application and assessment forms, practical guidance for assessing, and applying the criteria from the Advance HE Professional Standards Framework 2023 to the Descriptors. There will be opportunities for assessors to network and ask questions throughout the session. Please note: All colleagues who have already achieved Fellowship (D2) or above are eligible and encouraged to become a CADENZA assessor. All CADENZA assessors must attend a session prior to assessing for each panel. Session participants must have completed the online Moodle CADENZA assessor training before they join the session. To access the online Moodle CADENZA assessor training, please copy and paste the following link into your internet browser: https://moodle.essex.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=18411 If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This course is for staff who carry out COSHH risk assessments or review risk assessments carried out by others as part of their job. Hazardous substances are handled and stored across the University in a range of departments. Some substances can cause short term and/or long-term health effects and could cause fire and environmental hazards. This course details what is covered under COSHH, labelling, how to complete a COSHH assessment and the control measures required. Please note this course does not cover DSEAR. For more information on COSHH, please see the Hazardous Substances Safety page on the Staff Directory.

Strengthen your ability to tackle complex organisational challenges where solutions are not always clear-cut. This session develops advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills to help you navigate ambiguity, assess organisational risk and make strategic decisions that deliver sustainable outcomes.

Develop the planning and prioritisation skills needed to manage your workload, stay organised and deliver results with confidence. This practical session focuses on managing competing priorities, coordinating work effectively and contributing to successful team delivery.

Develop the practical skills to solve problems confidently and make sound decisions in your day-to-day role. This interactive session introduces structured approaches to identifying issues, evaluating options and selecting effective solutions using evidence, judgement and critical thinking.

Develop the strategic planning and delivery skills needed to lead projects, coordinate work across teams and deliver organisational priorities. This session focuses on aligning people, resources and activities to achieve successful outcomes and long-term organisational impact.

Develop the skills to deliver excellent customer service while continuously improving the services you provide. This practical session focuses on understanding customer needs, maintaining high service standards and using feedback to make meaningful improvements that enhance the customer experience.

Develop the practical skills needed to handle data accurately, analyse information and use evidence to support effective decisions in your day-to-day role. This session focuses on producing reliable outputs, identifying meaningful patterns and building confidence in turning data into useful insight.

Strengthen your analytical capability to interpret complex data, generate meaningful organisational insight so that it can help to inform decisions across teams, services or functions and influence priorities, strategic planning and decision making. This advanced session focuses on applying appropriate analytical methods, communicating evidence clearly and using insight to influence organisational priorities and outcomes.

Develop the leadership skills needed to shape, improve and transform services that deliver organisational value. This session focuses on leading service improvement, setting standards and driving sustainable change based on user needs, organisational priorities and strategic objectives.

This course provides delegates with the knowledge to support employees who report DSE related issues. The course details legal responsibilities, the assessment process, hybrid working, and how to complete a DSE Level 2 Assessment. Recommended for DSE Facilitators who are new in the role or who would like a refresher. Line Managers are welcome to attend to develop their knowledge of DSE.

In this two-hour workshop, you will learn how to use the 4Ps framework to redesign your assessments to improve their validity in an age of ubiquitous AI. The 4Ps framework for assessment validity in higher education evaluates student learning through four primary types of evidence (or proxies): product, process, performance and practice. Developed by researchers Tim Fawns, David Boud and Phill Dawson, this approach helps educators look beyond the limitations of traditional testing, especially in an era shaped by generative AI and increased external scrutiny. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This Education Insights workshop will provide an overview of the role of the Student Advisor, and the skills and values needed to be an effective advisor. We will cover the policy requirements for student advising at Essex, what students want from a student advisor and provide tips to make the advising count for your students. The session is ideal for new advisors but also for those looking to revise and develop a more effective advising system within their School or Department. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

Join us for a practical, jargon-free introduction to artificial intelligence and its growing role in higher education. In this one-hour online workshop, you'll explore the basics of AI—including generative AI and large language models (LLMs)—in a way that's easy to understand, and discover how these technologies are already shaping teaching, research, and student support services. Whether you're an academic or a member of Professional Services, this session will help you build confidence, write more effective prompts, and identify opportunities to leverage AI effectively in your work. No prior experience with AI is needed. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

In this in-person training workshop for academic staff new to teaching, you’ll learn how to use the audio-visual (AV) technology fitted as standard in all teaching and learning spaces at Essex. In the session, we’ll walk you through the AMX touch panel, the lectern PC, the projector and the digital visualiser. We’ll also show you how to connect your laptop to the lectern so you can output your screen to the projector. Note: This is an in-person workshop held at our Colchester campus. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so we can make adjustments.

This session is designed to get you on a good start with your teaching practice in HE. The session offers an introduction to the basic concepts and practices of learning and teaching in Higher Education and the University’s tools, frameworks and resources. The presentation gives you the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with peers. By the end of the session, participants will have: 1. The basic knowledge and tools needed to get started in HE teaching; 2. The chance to share experiences and ideas with peers; 3. The opportunity to enhance your continuing professional development. Who should attend? Academic staff who are relatively new to teaching in HE. Those who are not new to teaching but new to Essex may find part of the session useful and are welcome to attend. Graduate Teaching Assistants may also benefit from attending the session. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This course provides delegates the skills to carrying out inspection of work equipment (step ladders, kick stools and trolleys) to ensure it is safe for use and labelled appropriately.

Are you interested in developing or using your skills and expertise as a researcher to help industry and charities, local authorities, public bodies and government departments demonstrate the economic, cultural and social value of what they do? Join us for this session to learn more about the University's Evaluation Services and how you can get involved. You will learn about: o The University's Evaluation Services o How you can apply your skills and expertise to help organisations with their evaluation needs and challenges o The types of projects you can get involved with o The types of organisations we work with o The benefits of being involved in evaluation projects and how this can lead to future knowledge exchange opportunities o The support available to you at the University to engage with evaluation projects and opportunities This session is aimed at Early Career Researchers and also open to academics and researchers from all departments and faculties.

This course is for any employee assigned the role of a Fire Marshal for a department or team. The training session will help explain how fire can be caused and spread, delegates will gain an understanding of what can be done to reduce the risk of a fire starting e.g. sterile areas, electrical management, and control of the use of smoking materials. The Fire Marshal role is explained, with clear instruction given as to where their role starts and finishes. Topics covered within the course also include University rules for Fire Safety, what to do in the event of an emergency and what to do if you see or believe there is a fire.

Get your Moodle pages ready for the start of term by following a few easy steps. This short session will take you through the process of resetting, editing, updating, and aligning your Moodle pages with the Baseline standard. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This course is an induction and/or refresher for nominated Health & Safety Liaison Officers (HSLOs) and Departmental Health and Safety Officers (DHSOs). You will be given an introduction to carrying out an annual health and safety inspection and submitting a completed action plan, along with guidance and resources to support you in the role.

This course is for employees who carry out incident investigations as part of their job. You will find out what are the three main causes of incidents in the workplace and carry out your own incident investigation using a case study. The course also provides an overview of the University incident reporting procedure and what you can do to improve reporting.

The Quiz is a powerful activity that can meet many teaching needs, from simple, multiple-choice knowledge tests to complex, self-assessment tasks with detailed feedback. This session will enable you to set up and run simple formative and summative Moodle quizzes with your students. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

In this one-hour online workshop, you’ll learn how to use this popular audience response system to make your lectures, seminars or presentations more interactive and engaging. You’ll be shown how to use the tool both with and without PowerPoint. You’ll also be introduced to Poll Everywhere 2.0, an upgraded version of the platform featuring smarter workflows, an improved user interface and AI-powered poll creation. No prior experience with Poll Everywhere is required. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

This practical training session is aimed at staff who are new to using LEAP and those needing a refresher. - Improve understanding of Student Engagement and how LEAP supports engagement at the University of Essex - Gain practical knowledge of the LEAP system - Understand support available for students and how to refer students to these services using LEAP If you are able, please check your access to LEAP and view the system before attending this session. You should be able to log on to the system using your Essex login details (minus @essex.ac.uk): https://leap.essex.ac.uk. Details will be provided in the session of how to request access if you cannot log on to the system.

A short introduction to why little-used outlet flushing is required and the simple steps involved in carrying it out safely. The session covers what to flush, how often, basic precautions, and how to record completion.

This session introduces communication skills and approaches to building effective working relationships across teams. You'll explore how to convey messages clearly, using tools such as SBI feedback and an active listening model, and gain awareness of how difficult conversations are managed. You'll consider the role of active listening and empathy in day-to-day interactions and begin to understand influencing skills relevant to stakeholders beyond an immediate team, drawing on techniques such as stakeholder mapping.

This session introduces the principles of delegation, performance management and delivering through others. You'll explore how work is allocated effectively using approaches such as SMART objectives and a RACI framework and understand what's involved in monitoring delivery through others. You'll gain awareness of how performance conversations are managed, using tools such as SBI feedback and coaching prompts, and explore workload management approaches that support sustainable performance. You'll also begin to understand how delegation can be used to build capability and improve team performance.

This session introduces the principles of delivering outcomes, solving problems and implementing improvements. You'll explore what's involved in delivering work to required standards and applying structured approaches to operational problem solving, using tools such as PDCA and a project tracker. You'll gain awareness of how improvements to processes or services are identified and implemented, and how change initiatives are supported, drawing on continuous improvement tools, and begin to understand what's involved in leading small-scale improvement initiatives.

This session introduces the mindset and responsibilities involved in transitioning into management, including accountability for people, performance and wellbeing. You'll explore how to set clear direction and expectations for team activities, drawing on tools such as the First 90 Days framework, and understand what's involved in monitoring performance and responding to delivery issues. You'll gain awareness of wellbeing practices and the principles of effective one-to-one communication, using approaches such as Situational Leadership and a leadership styles diagnostic, and begin to understand how managers influence team priorities and behaviours aligned to wider goals.

This session introduces planning, prioritisation and decision-making approaches used in management, including structured tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix for organising workload. You'll explore problem-solving techniques for diagnosing and resolving issues, drawing on methods such as the 5 Whys, and understand how to assess risk and decision impact using tools such as a risk matrix and decision tree. You'll gain awareness of how change is recognised and supported and begin to understand the judgement involved in decisions with wider service impact.

This session introduces feedback, coaching and development approaches, using tools such as a performance review template to support performance improvement. You'll explore how development needs are identified and how coaching techniques are applied to support improvement, drawing on the GROW model and IDP templates. You'll gain awareness of the links between wellbeing and performance and begin to understand how development approaches are designed to build capability in others.

The course covers the University’s legal responsibilities, as set out in the Health and Safety Policy and Code of Practise, and explains what a health and safety management statement is and how to complete it. Participants are also given an overview of support and resources available within the University. A case study is used to help understand what is required of a manager/health and safety lead in the event of an incident and put into context the legal responsibilities. This is a mandatory course for all Directors and Heads of Department, and for Line Managers and Principal Investigators in high risk / complex risk areas, and is recommended for anyone who has responsibility for health and safety such as HSLOs and DHSOs. At the end of the course, you will be assessed with a short multiple choice test. If you will require support for the test, please email safety@essex.ac.uk. Please note that all courses are in person at Colchester campus unless stated otherwise. If you have booked and are unable to attend, please cancel your place or email safety@essex.ac.uk before the training date.

Discover new ways to enhance your teaching with Moodle, our learning management system. Join our monthly hour-long sessions to explore key features, including the Choice, Page, Book, Lesson, and Quiz tools. Each workshop offers a concise overview of the tool in action, practical ideas for your modules and courses, and dedicated time for live Q&A and discussion. No previous knowledge of Moodle is required to attend. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***Please note this is Moodle training, not an in-person or online workshop. Please do not book onto this training in HR Organiser.*** Understanding neurodiversity is key to building an inclusive culture at Essex. Many of us work and learn alongside neurodivergent colleagues and students every day, and feeling confident in how we communicate and support one another makes a real difference. To help strengthen this understanding, we’re pleased to offer two new online courses on neurodiversity, which are accessible to all our staff and students. The training provides a clear, friendly introduction to what neurodiversity is, and how we might incorporate it when managing teams. The courses cover: - what neurodiversity is and why we should celebrate it; - the science behind neurodiversity; - how we can accommodate different neurotypes in the workplace; - managing neurodiverse teams; - fostering an inclusive workplace; - supporting neurodivergent staff. Each course is self paced, so you can work through the material in your own time. You just need to enrol on the course via Moodle to get started - https://moodle.essex.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=40070 ***Please note this is Moodle training, not an in-person or online workshop. Please do not book onto this training in HR Organiser.***

The session is delivered by a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor and is a low impact walking exercise that involves the use of walking poles. Along with getting your heart rate up, Nordic walking is a full-body exercise that uses special poles to activate your upper body as you walk and great workout for those who have joint issues such as arthritis. These sessions are aimed at all abilities, and you will be taught the correct technique before setting off and enjoying the scenery around campus. Walking poles will be provided but you should ensure you wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes or trainers. The group meets on Square 2, outside the RAB Butler Building, for a prompt 12:10 departure. You must ensure for the first session you have completed a health declaration, which you can access by emailing ohquery@essex.ac.uk or on the Wellbeing Wednesdays page on the Staff Directory. Please bring this with you to your first session.

This session develops your decision-making capability, focusing on making informed decisions with measurable impact. You'll build your ability to apply structured approaches to assessing and managing risk, using governance frameworks and risk models to support your judgement. You'll demonstrate advanced communication in high-stakes situations and manage complex wellbeing situations using appropriate judgement, drawing on tools such as the RAPID decision model, and develop the skills to demonstrate strategic decision-making aligned to organisational priorities.

This session develops your capability to lead in complexity and transformation, using advanced problem-solving approaches such as systems thinking and scenario planning. You'll build your ability to lead change in uncertain environments, drawing on models such as ADKAR and Kotter's change framework. You'll assess the organisational impact of decisions, support teams through change and uncertainty, and develop the skills to design and lead large-scale transformation.

This session focuses on shaping culture and influencing behaviours within your area. You'll build your ability to develop behaviours that reinforce a positive culture, drawing on tools such as culture diagnostics and engagement surveys. You'll embed wellbeing within team culture and influence stakeholder behaviour to support wider outcomes and develop the skills to define and lead organisational culture initiatives using established culture frameworks.

This session develops your capability to deliver outcomes through others and influence beyond your direct authority. You'll build your ability to apply stakeholder engagement and influencing approaches, using tools such as stakeholder mapping and the influence matrix. You'll manage conflict effectively in complex environments and enable change delivery through others and develop the skills to design systems that enable delivery across teams, drawing on principles of systems leadership.

This session develops your strategic planning and resource management capability, aligning plans to wider organisational strategy using tools such as strategy mapping. You'll build your ability to apply resource planning approaches across competing priorities, drawing on scenario planning and portfolio tools to support your decisions. You'll use data and insight to inform strategic decisions and develop the skills to lead strategic planning and resource prioritisation across services.

This session develops your capability to build workforce capability, identifying and nurturing talent within your team. You'll build your ability to apply approaches that support wellbeing and retention, and lead development conversations aligned to individual needs, using tools such as the 9-box grid to support succession planning. You'll also develop the skills to design wider workforce and succession strategies through structured workforce planning.

Online academic support hours have been arranged to allow anyone currently undertaking module one or two of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PG CHEP) to have a discussion with a PG CHEP advisor on any aspect of the programme. You may have questions you wish to ask, or topics you wish to discuss in relation to coursework, the wider programme or any other matter relating to PG CHEP. The academic support hours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of ten spaces for any one session. Please be advised you may need to wait in the virtual 'waiting room' until the team member becomes available to start their next meeting with you. Please contact pgchep@essex.ac.uk if you have any questions. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***INVITE ONLY*** This Zoom support session will contain various information and discussion opportunities relating to your final submission details for your relevant module. The event will also include time for networking with fellow PG CHEP participants and a chance to have a one-to-one meeting with a PG CHEP advisor to talk through any remaining queries. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***INVITE ONLY*** This Zoom support session will contain various information and discussion opportunities relating to your final submission details for your relevant module. The event will also include time for networking with fellow PG CHEP participants and a chance to have a one-to-one meeting with a PG CHEP advisor to talk through any remaining queries. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***INVITE ONLY*** This Zoom support session will revisit key information in relation to the PG CHEP programme and will take you through the various coursework submissions; as well as details relating to Programme Learning Outcomes and important tips and reminders for your awareness. There will be several opportunities for you to meet and network with fellow PG CHEP participants throughout. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***INVITE ONLY*** This Zoom support session will revisit key information in relation to the PG CHEP programme and will take you through the various coursework submissions; as well as details relating to Programme Learning Outcomes and important tips and reminders for your awareness. There will be several opportunities for you to meet and network with fellow PG CHEP participants throughout. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***INVITE ONLY*** This Zoom support session will revisit key information in relation to the PG CHEP programme and will take you through the various coursework submissions; as well as details relating to Programme Learning Outcomes and important tips and reminders for your awareness. There will be several opportunities for you to meet and network with fellow PG CHEP participants throughout. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

***INVITE ONLY*** This Zoom support session will contain various information and discussion opportunities relating to your final submission details for your relevant module. The event will also include time for networking with fellow PG CHEP participants and a chance to have a one-to-one meeting with a PG CHEP advisor to talk through any remaining queries. If you have any additional requirements, please contact develop@essex.ac.uk so adjustments can be made.

Connecting, Developing and Navigating the Future Together We are delighted to invite you to the Postdoctoral Researcher Networking & Development Event, an opportunity to come together with fellow researchers from across the University of Essex, make meaningful connections and explore opportunities to support your research career and professional development. We recognise that navigating a research career brings both opportunities and challenges, particularly during periods of change. This event is designed to create space to connect, discover the support available to you and share your experiences and perspectives on what matters most to our researcher community. What can you expect? We've put together a focused and interactive programme, combining practical insights with opportunities for conversation and networking. * Researcher Insights, Development and Networks: Hear highlights from our Researcher Experience Survey, explore development support and opportunities available at Essex, and discover the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN), including how to get involved. * Start-ups and Entrepreneurship – Exploring New Possibilities: Join Andy Mew for an engaging session exploring how research expertise and ideas can open doors to entrepreneurial opportunities and different career pathways. * Connect, Reflect and Shape: Take part in facilitated conversations with fellow researchers around career development, research culture, belonging and navigating change. Share what's working well, the challenges you face and what could make a meaningful difference to your experience at Essex. Why your participation matters Your voice matters in shaping future researcher support at Essex. This Event is an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share your experiences and help inform our ongoing commitments to researcher development through the Concordat and HR Excellence in Research (HREiR). We'd love you to join the conversation and we look forward to welcoming you on 23 November!

Risk Assessment Essentials is designed to introduce staff members to creating useful risk assessments and their importance. This includes identifying what a risk is and how they can be mitigated to keep people safe. Participants use the risk assessment template along with a scenario to practise, and are provided a completed version at the end of the session in addition to resources that are available to help in the future. This is a mandatory course for all Directors and Heads of Department, and for Line Managers and Principal Investigators in high risk / complex risk areas, and recommended for anyone who completes or approves risk assessments. At the end of the course, you will be assessed with a short multiple choice test. If you will require support for the test, please email safety@essex.ac.uk. Please note that all courses are in person at Colchester campus unless stated otherwise. If you have booked and are unable to attend, please cancel your place or email safety@essex.ac.uk before the training date.

Develop the personal effectiveness and knowledge-sharing skills needed to grow in your role and support the learning of others. This practical session focuses on building confidence, applying your skills effectively and contributing to a positive learning culture through collaboration, feedback and support.

Develop the leadership skills needed to grow capability, support colleagues’ development and create a culture of continuous learning. This session focuses on guiding development, setting expectations, providing meaningful feedback and leading activities that strengthen team and organisational capability.

This Masterclass runs over three separate sessions and aims to support our early career academics who are considering making an application to UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF), to share good practice, help them understand and navigate the scheme and upskill them in order to maximise their chances of making a successful application. Session 1 (this session) will include an overview of the scheme and internal sift process, insights from Essex’s FLF award holders, and an open group Q&A session. There will also be half an hour set aside for candidates to ask questions privately after the main webinar and group Q&A. This course is primarily aimed at Essex-based early career academics who are considering making an application to Round 12 of UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF), and those supporting their applications. Candidates interested in applying to a future round, and those wanting to learn about the scheme, are also welcome to attend. We should note that, regretfully, for Round 12, the University of Essex is unable to support FLF applications from external candidates or internal candidates not on permanent contracts. (Please note that this booking is just for Session 1 of the UoE Future Leaders Fellowships Masterclass. Sessions 2 and 3 will be aimed at writing a strong FLF sift outline and proposal, and will include a seminar and a workshop; these sessions will be bookable separately, and booking details will be published in due course. Please note that we recommended that candidates wishing to attend sessions 2 and 3 also attend the previous sessions.) Objectives: Overarching aim: To support early career academics who are considering making an application to UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) in order to maximise their chances of making a successful application. 1. To provide an overview of the FLF scheme to help our candidates better understand the scheme and what UKRI are looking for. 2. To provide an overview of the FLF application process and our internal sift. 3. To provide insights from those with direct experience of winning an FLF award. 4. To provide an opportunity for candidates to discuss and ask questions about the scheme and the University’s sift process, both in an open discussion session and privately. Pre-work Candidates should have familiarised themselves with the scheme, and discussed their interest with their DoR / HoD (mandatory). Candidates are also encouraged to submit questions in advance (by 2nd November) so that the panel can address any FAQ effectively and efficiently; however, this is optional, and questions will be taken during the Q&A session. Beyond this, no formal pre-work is required. Round 12 is expected to open in February 2027, but please refer to UKRI’s FLF websites and the University’s dedicated FLF webpage to learn about the scheme and our sift process for Round 11 (please note that scheme details and out internal sift process might be modified for future rounds). UKRI FLF Round 11 website: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowship-round-11/ UKRI general FLF website: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/ developing-people-and-skills/future-leaders fellowships/ University FLF website: https://www.essex.ac.uk/research/fellowships/ukri-future-leaders-fellowships Target audience Essex-based early career academics who are considering making an application to Round 12 of UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF). Candidates interested in applying to a future round are also welcome to attend. This course is not suitable for UG or PG students. Regretfully, for Round 12, the University of Essex is unable to support FLF applications from external candidates or internal candidates not on permanent contracts. The webinar will be recorded. If candidates have any enquiries, or to submit any advance questions, please can they send them to the Essex UKRI Future Leaders mailbox at ukrifutureleaders@essex.ac.uk

An overview of safe working at height using stepladders, kick stools, and low-level platforms, with a focus on University expectations, legal duties, and simple controls for low-risk access tasks. The session covers selection, pre-use checks, common hazards, and when alternative equipment or additional controls are required. This course is targeted at anyone who uses stepladders as part of their day-to-day role, but anyone who works at height is welcome to attend.